Crews ready for a white Christmas

Predictions of a white Christmas have been up in the air during the past week. But latest reports indicate the holiday Bing Crosby envisioned will take place.

Amber Wilson, Ardmore Emergency Management Coordinator, said Carter County is predicted to receive snow. The only question that remains is how much.

“They now have Carter County in the area with the best chance for snow,” she said. “There are two different models. One has the heaviest part to the north of us and the other has the heaviest part down south to the Red River. We could receive as much as three to six inches.

“It is forecast to start Tuesday and taper off on Wednesday.”

Travelers will want to take appropriate precautions with their plans to celebrate the holiday. The Ardmore Street Department has plans in place should its services be needed to clear the roads. Equipment has been loaded up in case it is needed and the street departments will clear routes should it be necessary.

Carter County Commissioner Dale Ott said his district would also be prepared.

“We will just have to wait and see,” he said. “There is not much you can really do with preliminary work aside from loading the trucks with sand.

“We will have a crew on call. Anytime there is a threat of a storm, everybody is put on notice. The snow is not really a problem. But that ice is the big problem you have.”

Temperatures are predicted to dip to 19 degrees Tuesday night, which will impact roads. Municipalities will also be prepared to do what they can in light of storm prediction. The City of Healdton approved a partnership with the Healdton Industrial Authority for snow removal.

“Our plans are to be ready for next year,” Charles Clark, City Manager, said. “They have never really been prepared here. We are going to try and have a minimal level of response, sand the hills and curves and major intersections.

“There is not really anything budgeted for it. We will try and stay away from salt because the streets are not in the greatest shape.”